Basic design techniques still apply, but you aren't constrained by a specific shape. These used to be referred to as "modern bouquets", which simply meant they were a little more original and a bit out of the ordinary.

Wedding bouquet styles should always be adapted to fit both the size and personality of each bride. I typically keep a full length mirror near my work station so I can stop and view the bouquet in the mirror. Before you begin, ask the bride several questions:

What is your favorite look - big and flowing or small and dainty?

Do you want to match your bridesmaid dresses or compliment them?

What do you want in your bouquet to make it stand out from your attendant bouquets?

What are your favorite colors?

What are your favorite flowers?

Do you want a bouquet to have a strong scent or none at all?

Does your dress have in intricate bodice?

Is the ceremony going to be inside (in air conditioning) or outside (hot weather)?

Urge your brides to give you color samples and encourage them to compliment their color scheme rather than try to "match" the colors exactly. This may lead to more disappointment, as flowers are a living growing organism that doesn't always bloom in the exact shades of bridesmaid dresses.

I can always tell when brides told the florist they want "blue" flowers, and are surprised to find violet-red flowers in their bouquets. Ask for photos of each flower you are thinking about, as classified "blues" can run from a deep dark purple to a bright red-violet and STILL be classified by flower farms as being a "blue" flower.

Always instruct the bride on how to carry the wedding flowers. Many times nerves make them or the bridesmaids clutch the bouquets up too high, covering up intricate beading details on the bodice that made them fall in love with the dress.